Maia Gala Night

Maia Gala Night is a live televised event showcasing the latest Maia entries as well as celebrating other special moments that have happened since the previous edition of the contest. Maia Gala Night is run by the Arkaystian broadcaster, NTA, taking place for the first time on the eve of the 23rd edition. The musical extravaganza will include music from a number of invited guests, including Maia Song Contest 22 winner Vendredi sur Mer, Arkaystian legends Dua Lipa, Maya Berović and Nao, winner of the 21st edition Sara Jo from Qualton and many more of Maia's favourite artists.

Invited Guests

 * Vendredi sur Mer - Winner of Maia Song Contest 22 for her country D'unelaleh, giving them their second win in the contest. She will perform her winning entry "Écoute chérie" at the Gala.
 * Taylor Hynes - Youngster Hynes rose to prominence in late 2018 following his viral hit single "I.O.U" storming the charts in numerous countries. Hailing from Terranovia with D'unelalehi roots, Hynes will perform the anthem at the Gala.
 * Dua Lipa - Represented her native Arkaystia three times at the Maia Song Contest placing 3rd, 8th and 1st. She is one of the most popular modern era artists in Arkaystia, scoring numerous hits, as well as becoming an international superstar in the process. She will perform a "surprise" at the Gala.
 * Sara Jo - Winner of Maia Song Contest 21 will be attending the Gala after her song "Lava" graced the top 10 in the Arkaystian charts. She will perform the same song at the Gala.
 * Abiola Allicock - Bjornsk X Factor contestant and viral "meme" sensation Abiola Allicock will perform her song "Ho Heee Ho Ho Ho Ho Heeeeeee Ho Heeeee Ho Haw Ho Heeee Ho Heeee" alongside the Golden Lights Choir from Arkaystia.
 * Nao - Qualtonese-Arkaystian singer-songwriter Nao rose to huge success in Arkaystia after she sung "In The Morning" at Maia Song Contest 16 where she placed 2nd, the last time Arkaystia finished on the podium. Her album Saturn went to number 1 in the same year. She will perform her contest hit at the Gala.
 * Bree Runway - Runway became an international success following her performance at Maia Song Contest 16 with the song "What Do I Tell My Friends?". The feminist anthem charted throughout the world which saw an increased interest in the #MeToo social movement in the same year. Runway will perform the song at the Gala.
 * Maya Berović - Berović rose to fame in the country when she performed "Alkohol" at Turbovision 1, smashing charts in Arkaystia, Kashykia, Foronia and Uslye. She later represented the country in the 13th edition of the Maia Song Contest where she finished in 10th place with her song "Nisam Normalna", another chart hit. She will perform a mash-up of some of her songs at the Gala.
 * Mr. Blobby - Dalérín national icon Mr. Blobby will perform an unintentionally comedic piece at the Gala as he gatecrashes "This Morning".
 * Vitalic - Winner of Maia Song Contest 18 for Rhoe Vitalic will be performing his song "Waiting For The Stars" at the Gala. The song gained particular attraction in Arkaystia and Qualton on its way to its win.

Presentation of Maia Song Contest 23 Acts
The Gala will see the presentation of a number of acts that will be present at the 23rd edition of the Maia Song Contest. Some of the acts will be being revealed for the first time. So far, nine countries have been confirmed to be attending the Gala. These are Arkaystia, Björnska, Borulea, Izola, Kashykia, Loafousia, Papavertellus, Qualton, Rhoe, Temekylopia, Terranovia and Zvorrhybnnia.

The Show
The show took place at 21:30CET on 1st December 2018. The order of the show's performances are presented below. The show was broadcast in all the countries that were presenting their act, as well as D'unelaleh, Emionia, Muuiia and São Rico.